The sudden resignation of former Prime Minister and historic SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras from Parliament has triggered strong political tremors and a new wave of realignments within the centre-left.
In a public statement, Tsipras clarified that he is “resigning from Parliament, not from political action,” declaring his intention to return “to the hopeful uncertainty of social engagement.”
“Liberated from titles and party mechanisms”
In his resignation letter to the Speaker of Parliament, Tsipras described his decision as “an act of conscience,” explaining that he could not hold onto his seat “when he feels he can no longer contribute meaningfully to the citizens who trusted him.”
The former Prime Minister criticised the current state of parliamentary democracy, calling it “institutionally hollowed out,” and emphasised that his next steps would focus “on society and its needs, free from the constraints of party machinery.”
“I do not believe in Messiahs or lab-built parties. I believe in the power of the people and the will of the many,” he said, sending a clear signal that his future plans may involve launching a new political movement from the grassroots.
Reactions across the political spectrum
Tsipras’ departure has prompted a wide range of reactions both inside SYRIZA and across other parties.
The president of New Left, Alexis Charitsis, called it “a personal decision carrying strong political symbolism,” urging “a broader unity of progressive forces.”
The new MP for Piraeus, Theodoros Dritsas, who takes over Tsipras’ seat, announced that he will retain the mandate and join New Left, increasing its parliamentary strength to 12 seats.
SYRIZA is now reduced to 25 MPs, deepening its internal crisis and political isolation.
From the government’s side, spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis commented sharply:
“The last time Mr Tsipras talked about seas, we were looking for lifejackets. Let’s hope this time no rescue boats are needed.”
The PASOK–KINAL party said Tsipras’ move “confirms SYRIZA’s inability to renew itself,” while the Communist Party (KKE) noted that “his politics remain rooted in management, not rupture.”
Meanwhile, the New Democracy government remarked that “Alexis Tsipras leaves as he governed – dramatically, but without self-criticism.”
The future of SYRIZA and talk of a new political project
Tsipras’ resignation opens a new chapter for the Greek centre-left, with many analysts viewing it as the first step toward forming a new political movement free from SYRIZA’s internal divisions.
Political observers suggest that Tsipras is attempting a “bottom-up” renewal, seeking reconnection with grassroots movements and younger voters.
New Left, led by Alexis Charitsis, now becomes the fifth-largest party in Parliament, gaining momentum and possibly emerging as a future ally in any new Tsipras-led initiative.
The coming months will be crucial. Tsipras’ withdrawal from Parliament does not signal a retreat from politics — if anything, it may mark the beginning of a new phase in his effort to rebuild the progressive space in Greece.
